Reveries of a Solitary Blogger

“Critical theory […] very consciously makes its own that concern for the rational organization of human activity which its task is to illuminate and legitimate. For this theory is not concerned only with goals already imposed by existing ways of life, but with men and all their potentialities.” Max Horkheimer

“When he cared to talk, he talked well; but, the cloud of caring for nothing, was very rarely pierced by the light within him.” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities.

“Repression is the only lasting philosophy. The dark deference of fear and slavery, my friend,” observed the Marquis.” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities.

“I am an enigma, even to myself.” William Seward

“For each desire we fulfill… a new desire will pop into our heads to take its place. This means that no matter how hard we work to satisfy our desires, we will be no closer to satisfaction than if we had fulfilled none of them.” William Irvine, A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy.

“That is why the peasant has wisdom, because he is defeated from the start.”

Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms.

Wisdom comes through defeat, never through victory.

“If you want the truth to stand clear before you, never be for or against. The struggle between “for” and “against” is the mind’s worst disease.” Sent-ts’an, 700 a.d.

“And let silence be the general rule, or let only what is necessary be said, and in few words.” Epictetus, Enchiridion.

“Nothing will help quite so much as just keeping quiet, talking with other people as little as possible, with yourself as much as possible.” Seneca, Letters from a Stoic, Letter CV (105)

“Let the strength of your words be the spark that ignites the flame.” KSE